If your baby develops itching, swelling, diarrhea, or hives after eating a particular food, then it can be deduced that your baby could be allergic to it. Babies are very sensitive due to underdeveloped immune systems and if an allergy runs in family, you need to be extra careful with your baby. It is important to have an understanding of potential allergenic foods.
Sometimes, allergic reactions may become worse, so it’s worth noting down in advance if your baby is allergic to any food. Find out the Top 10 Potential Allergenic Foods For Your Baby.
In This Article
- What Is A Food Allergy?
- What Are The Symptoms Of Food Allergy In Babies?
- Top Ten Potential Allergenic Food For Baby
What Is A Food Allergy?
Allergic reactions are the response of the immune system to flush out foreign and unwanted substances from the body. Yet, sometimes, the immune system by mistake may react to useful proteins present in the food. This reaction triggers the production of a chemical called histamine.
This, in turn, causes the symptoms of allergy like hives or rashes, or swelling. A baby’s immune system is still developing and is under-stimulated. Allergies run in families.
If the parents or close family members are having allergies, it is possible that the baby also has it. Babies with eczema is at a higher risk of developing food allergies. Several foods are Potential Allergenic to your baby.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Food Allergy In Babies?
Allergies are typically divided into two types: immediate allergy and delayed allergy. The symptoms are as listed below:
Symptoms Of Immediate Food Allergy
- Hives, rash in the mouth or rashes on the entire body, itchiness.
- Swelling, especially in the eyes and lips.
- Continuous sneezing or a runny or blocked nose.
- Nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, or tummy cramps.
Symptoms Of Delayed Food Allergy
- Eczema- click here to know more
- Reflux
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- The baby appears in distress and cries by raising his knees to his chest
Some Serious Symptoms Of Food Allergy In Babies
- Wheezing
- Swelling in the mouth or tongue (this may become severe enough to block the airways
- Breathing issues
- Dizziness,
- A sudden drop in blood pressure.
In the event you notice any such symptoms, it is best to avoid the food that caused the allergy (in case of immediate food allergy) and speak to the doctor. In case of a delayed food allergy, you must make an appointment with the doctor immediately so as to ascertain the cause of the allergy based on various hereditary and other factors. Self-medication is strictly not advised.
Top 10 Potential Allergenic Foods For Your Baby
A list consisting of the most common allergic foods for the baby is compiled below for your perusal. Not all babies are allergic to these, you may want to test one at a time, before feeding it in large quantities to your baby.
Here are the top 10 potential allergenic foods for your baby:
1. Peanuts
Not only in babies, but peanut allergy is common in adults too. Stay away from peanut butter and foodstuffs containing peanuts in any form if feeding it to your baby
2. Egg: Potential Allergenic Foods For Your Baby
Unfortunately, some of our babies may not be able to peacefully digest this small power pack. So check out the food labels as eggs are widely used in a variety of products. When egg allergy in a baby is determined, do not try feeding just the egg whites, it may still cause allergic reactions.
3. Wheat
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to wheat include conjunctivitis, asthma, and rhinitis. Find out everything you need to know about wheat allergy in babies here. You may want to check the cereal packages before for any traces of wheat before feeding it to your baby. Likewise, introduce other grains to support nutritional requirements.
4. Soy
Soy allergy is common among babies. There are different types of soy allergy in babies. Soy products such as tempeh, tofu, soymilk, soy nuggets, etc., should be avoided in case your baby has developed an intolerance to soy.
5. Cow’s Milk: Potential Allergenic Foods For Your Baby
Some babies may find it difficult to break down the proteins present in the cows’ milk. Simply breastfeed your baby as long as you can
6. Berries
Sometimes the pesticide residue on strawberries may be the culprit behind allergies in babies. Blackberries and Raspberries are other berries that are known to evoke allergenic responses in babies. You don’t necessarily have to wait for your child to ingest berries and show allergy, sometimes the smell and even touch are enough to determine the allergy. It’s advised to wait for at least 12 months before introducing berries to babies.
7. Tree Nuts
Tree nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc. are also one of the top reasons for allergies in babies. So read the label carefully for any nuts and particularly cereals as they may contain ground nuts.
8. Fish
This rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and essential oil may not be deemed palatable by all. Babies may show aversion to tuna, cod, and salmon. It is unlikely that your baby will outgrow fish allergy with time.
9. Shellfish: Potential Allergenic Foods For Your Baby
Wheezing, coughing, hives, watery eyes, or even losing consciousness are some of the symptoms of allergy to shellfish. Chuck out ground crab meat, shrimps, or scallops if one has a shellfish allergy. Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal situation happens due to shellfish allergy. It is characterized by trouble breathing, which progresses quickly and may cause a person to pass out.
10. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are perhaps one of the most widely used ingredients in our food. And we love to stick out our fingers smeared with tomato sauce to check out their reactions to sweet and tangy puree. However, you need to be careful here, since there are a lot of cases where babies have seen hypersensitive to tomatoes, especially raw tomatoes.
Apart from these, some babies may show allergic reactions to meat, rice, chocolate, cinnamon, and citrus fruits. It’s wise to refrain from feeding gas-causing foods to babies such as broccoli and beans as they may further exacerbate the situation.
Babies usually outgrow some food allergies such as those of milk, wheat, and egg, whilst they may continue to display intolerance towards nuts, especially peanuts. You should not try to get rid of the allergy by continuing to feed the baby with the food-causing allergy. This may lead to adverse situations such as asthma, eczema, or trouble breathing. You must breastfeed your baby for at least six months, which will boost his immunity and help him fight allergies.
